Mohinī Ekādaśī

The Loving Grace of Mohinī Ekādaśī

In the quiet forest of Kamyaka, King Yudhiṣṭhira asked Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa:

“O Beloved Lord! Our hearts are weary with the sorrows of exile. Please tell us of an Ekādaśī that lifts the heavy cloud of grief and delusion from the soul.”

Lord Kṛṣṇa looked upon Yudhiṣṭhira with immense tenderness and said:

“O King! Listen to the sacred story of Mohinī Ekādaśī, which arrives in the bright fortnight of the month of Vaiśākha (April–May). The word mohinī signifies that divine power of the Lord which cuts through all illusion, despair, and attachment. This holy fast was first revealed by Sage Vasiṣṭha to Lord Śrī Rāmacandra to soothe His grief during the search for Sītā Devī. Hear the touching story of the merchant’s son.”

The Merchant Dhanapāla and His Son

On the peaceful banks of the sacred Sarasvatī river lay the beautiful city of Bhadrāvatī, ruled by King Dyutimān. In this city lived a prosperous and deeply religious merchant named Dhanapāla. He built public wells, planted shade trees, and fed thousands of travelers every day.

Dhanapāla had five sons. The four elder sons were devoted, hard-working, and respectful. But the youngest son, Dhṛṣṭabuddhi, fell into bad company. He spent his days in gambling, drinking, and wasteful living, scorning the gentle advice of his loving parents.

Destitution and Awakening

When Dhṛṣṭabuddhi refused to mend his ways, his sorrowful father was finally forced to ask him to leave home. Abandoned by his fair-weather companions the moment his money ran out, Dhṛṣṭabuddhi soon found himself in dire poverty.

Hungry, clothed in rags, and shivering in the forest, he spent days searching for scraps of food. In his deep misery, the memory of his father’s kindness and the purity of his childhood home flooded his heart. Tears of deep remorse poured from his eyes:

‘Alas! What have I done? I disregarded the loving counsel of my father and squandered the gift of human life. Who will ever take pity on a wretch like me?‘

The Compassion of Sage Kauṇḍinya

Wandering through the woods, Dhṛṣṭabuddhi stumbled into the peaceful ashram of the revered Sage Kauṇḍinya on the riverbank. It was the month of Vaiśākha, and the sage had just returned from his morning bath in the holy waters.

Dhṛṣṭabuddhi threw himself at the sage’s feet, weeping bitterly:

‘O holy father! I am a fallen soul, guilty of terrible waste and disrespect. I suffer from hunger, shame, and agony. Is there any penance in this world that can wash away my sins and bring peace to my soul?’

Sage Kauṇḍinya looked down with profound fatherly compassion. He lifted the weeping youth and said:

‘Do not despair, my son. The grace of God is infinitely greater than any mistake you have made. In a few days, the bright fortnight of Vaiśākha brings Mohinī Ekādaśī. Fast on that holy day with a pure heart, surrender all your regrets to Lord Viṣṇu, and pray for His mercy. It will burn away your sorrow just as the morning sun melts the frost.‘

Redemption and Transformation

Dhṛṣṭabuddhi listened with tears of hope. When Mohinī Ekādaśī arrived, he bathed peacefully, fasted without taking food or water, and spent the entire day and night chanting the names of Lord Hari under the sage’s guidance.

By the merit of that single day of sincere surrender, the heavy veil of illusion was lifted from his consciousness. His mind became peaceful, clear, and radiant. When he completed the fast on Dvādaśī, a celestial chariot descended, and he was crowned with divine light, returning as a liberated, saintly soul to the eternal realm of God.

How to Observe Mohini Ekādaśī

1. Morning Bath & Prayer: Bathe peacefully in the morning, letting go of past regrets and guilt.
2. Worship of Lord Viṣṇu: Offer fragrant white or yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and tulasī leaves.
3. Gentle Fasting: Observe a peaceful fast suited to your health—water, milk, or fresh fruits.
4. Cultivating Compassion: Forgive those who may have hurt you, and pray for the well-being of all beings.
5. Dvādaśī Pāraṇā: Next morning on Dvādaśī, offer gratitude, share food with the hungry, and break fast within the morning window.

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Source: Padma Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa, Chapter 50, ‘Mohinī Ekādaśī Mahātmyam’. Translated and retold in classical devotional prose for contemplation and daily observance.